Australian Constitution vs American Constitution

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Transcript of Australian Constitution vs American Constitution

Australian Constitution The Australian Constitution of 1901 established a federal system of government. Under this system, powers are distributed between a national government (the Commonwealth) and the six States (three Territories - the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island have self-government arrangements). The Constitution defines the boundaries of law-making powers between the Commonwealth and the States/Territories.

The Parliament is at the very heart of the Australian national government. The Parliament consists of the Queen (represented by the Governor-General) and two Houses (the Senate and the House of Representatives). These three elements make Australia a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

Australian HierachyThe QueenThe Queen is the overall ruler of Australia & Europe. Governor GeneralThe Governor General is the monarch's representative- in this case Queen Elizabeth.Prime MinisterThe Prime Minister is the highest point of parliament. He or she is elected by all those over 18 in Australia and is the representative also of a party. (Labour, Liberal). Kevin Rudd is the current Prime Minister and is from the Labour Party.http://www.congressforkids.net/quiz.htmAustralian Constitution vs. American ConstitutionIs Australia's Constitution anything like the American constitution?Both Australia and American continent are federations though Australia's government is a parliament and America government is a congress.A constitution is a set of rules by which a country is run. Both systems have created constitutions that describe the functions of executive, legislative & judicial branches.Differences between Australian vs. American

ConstitutionSimilarities between the two constitutions■Both are Federal systems (Federal and State governments). ■Both have a parliament (called a congress in the US) composed of two houses – a House of Representatives and a Senate. ■Both have a House that is popularly elected with electorate size determined by voting population. ■Both have a Senate that represents the States equally – 2 senators per state in the US, 12 per state in Australia. Senators in both countries serve 6 year terms. ■All legislation must be passed by both houses of parliament. ■Both have constitutions which delineate the powers of the Federal Government. ■Both have an independent judiciary (Supreme Court in US, High Court in Australia) which interprets the constitution and acts as a final court of appeals.

In Australia, voting is compulsory for everyone over 18. In America, voting is not compulsory. In Australia, each party is represented by a member who runs for Prime Minister usually once every four years, not taking in the past few years of politics. Australia is also ruled by a monarchy (The Queen etc.) and has a governor.

http://www.congressforkids.net/quiz.htmAustralian Constitution QuizAmerican Constitution Quizhttp://www.congressforkids.net/quiz.htmAmerican ConstitutionThe constitution was written by 55 state delegates at a convention in Philadelphia in 1787. It was adopted and approved by all 13 states represented at the convention.The American constitution came into effect on the 21st of June 1788.Electoral SystemThe president is elected through an indirect ballot. US citizens vote a president from possible nominees. The President becomes the most powerful person in the US.

The President nominates members of his cabinet known as executive department secretaries) and other senior executive branch officials, many of whom must be confirmed (agreed to) by the Senate.Voting•Voting is not compulsory for US citizens.•Elections for both houses use the simple majority or ‘first past the post' system.

http://www.aec.gov.au/education/Democracy_Rules/interactives/quiz2_constitution/index.htmConclusionThere are many differences when it comes to the Australian and American constitution and their government. The constitutions help state the laws, such as human and civil rights, how one may come to power as well as lose their power. Parliament and Congress are two different concepts, each with their own different rulings as stated above. Together, we have found out these points. A constitution is a written record of all these points, a body of fundamental laws and/or principles according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.